This article discusses healthcare admin (BHA) programs in California.
We’ll cover program accreditation, curriculum structure, study duration, and schools offering this program. Before we wrap up, we’ll outline the admission requirements.
Healthcare administration is an important aspect of the medical sector. Rather than treating patients directly, it focuses on the business, leadership, and operational aspects of healthcare.
If you want to move into supervisory, management, or executive roles within healthcare organizations, consider taking a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.
Let’s get started.
Accreditation Status
Before starting a BHA program in California, make sure it’s accredited. Completing a certified program qualifies you to take the professional exams after school.
Your certificate will also be viewed as valid by employers and other academic institutions.
That said, BHA programs in California are accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
Another accreditation agency is the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC).
Accreditation means the program has met all required standards for providing high-quality education.
You’ll be taught by highly qualified instructors with several years of industry experience. After completing your education, you can assume admin roles in healthcare.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum for a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration in California is comprehensive.
Students will learn to identify the components of the U.S. healthcare system and how social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors affect the organization.
You’ll also learn to use technology to create, access, analyze, and interpret healthcare data for effective decision-making.
Topics include healthcare management, hospital administration, health policy and ethics, healthcare law, health information systems, healthcare finance and accounting, strategic planning and leadership, and more.
These courses will help you demonstrate critical thinking and integrate business practices with health sciences.
Ultimately, you can make sound ethical decisions, improve performance, and become a respected member of the healthcare community.
Study Duration
It’s important to know how long a BHA program takes in California. This will help you plan your education and career timeline.
It will also help you determine when you’ll be eligible to graduate and start working.
That said, a typical healthcare admin bachelor’s degree takes around 4 years to complete.
But those entering with an associate degree or prior experience can complete the program within two years. Some schools allow students to transfer AP or dual-credit courses.
Top Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in California
Several institutions in California offer BHA programs. These institutions provide the education and experience you need to become a professional admin officer in healthcare.
You can take the program part-time or full-time.
Let’s look at them briefly.
- University of Roehampton
Busy professionals will appreciate completing their education at this university. They offer an online MBA in healthcare management for those interested in navigating the healthcare industry.
Students will gain insight into industry leaders and specialized modules in strategic management, healthcare innovation and performance management practices.
You’ll also gain skills to drive policy changes, implement cutting-edge technologies, and manage healthcare institutions.
The program takes about 1 year to complete full-time and 2 years part-time.
The study modules focus on financial performance management in healthcare, Healthcare Innovation and Change Management, advanced project management, applied research or consultancy projects, and problem-solving and research methods for managers.
- Pacific College
This is another excellent place to complete a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration.
The program is ideal for those with a background in allied health or experienced practitioners transitioning into management.
It takes two years to complete this program when taken full-time.
The curriculum covers key aspects of administration, from healthcare law to emerging technologies. It offers high-quality, flexible education for interested candidates.
You can complete the program online and transfer up to 60 credits from a certified allied health program.
Students who transferred credits into the B.S. healthcare admin program can complete their studies within 18 months.
The cost is $350/credit, totaling $26,250 (75 credits) for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Fresno Pacific University
You can count on this university for high-quality education and experience. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with an emphasis in healthcare administration.
The program takes 24 months to complete, and students can enroll part-time or full-time. You can also complete the program either on-campus or online.
The curriculum consists of 51 credits, with coursework in leadership management, law, ethics, resource allocation, health, and information technology.
The school also offer an accelerated 18-month cohort format. This allows students to finish their education quickly and efficiently.
- California State University – Long Beach
California State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. The program consists of 120 credits and can be completed in four years of full-time study.
Students will learn everything from healthcare system basics to advanced operational management.
Curriculum topics include healthcare systems, medical billing and coding, health personnel management, analysis and evaluation of HCS, and financial management.
In addition to the coursework, students will be required to participate in internships and career development in HCA, quality assurance, and marketing for organizations.
The cost of taking this course is $3,689/semester (CA residents). Students can only complete the program in person.
- William Jessup University
For those looking for a flexible study option, this university can be your best bet. They offer an online Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration.
The program emphasizes servant leadership and prepares students to lead healthcare organizations with compassion, innovation, and integrity.
Moreover, the program integrates success coaching to develop highly skilled and compassionate leaders focused on value-based care and healthcare system transformation.
It focuses on management, ethics, finance, and health services policy. Graduates can improve patient experience, population health, and cost reduction while providing satisfaction.
Admissions Requirements
Before getting into a BHA program in California, certain conditions must be met. These requirements vary by institution.
However, many require an associate degree or equivalent post-secondary education in a healthcare field. You’ll also be required to have a minimum GPA of 2.4.
Other requirements include an official transcript from a previous institution, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Students transferring from accredited institutions must have a CGPA of 2.0 or higher. The minimum transferable baccalaureate-level units are 6.
Students coming from foreign countries must request a foreign credential pre-evaluation.
A BHA program in California is a smart choice, though it can feel overwhelming. You’ll be provided with the needed knowledge and experience to work as an administrator in healthcare.
You can take on several leadership roles in many types of healthcare organizations.